Consensus has shifted from DOA to good 6D kit lens with shorter focal length than 24-105, so does not eat into 70-200 sales (what myself & dilbert said). The 24-105 f4L IS is a very good lens, albeit an odd focal length. Canon probably want a 14-24, 24-70 and 70-200 as wide/standard/telephoto zooms for all FF bodies, and to have both fast and f4 apertures, with and without IS....eventually. As someone else here has said, Canon do conduct their own research...nobody here on CR would object to that variety/choice (3 x reference zooms).

I am not buying that Canon is shoe-horning us into 24-70 to protect 70-200 sales. That can't happen if the 24-105 is still in play. So to protect 70-200 sales, they will obsolete a very popular lens in the 24-105? That's only a takeaway, so I just don't buy it.

It's not to protect sales but rather to generate sales of either the 70-200 or 70-300.

Reading that sentence again with this new lens in mind, it makes even more sense. The 24-105 will stay popular because of its versatile range. The 24-70 f/4 will be immediately popular as part of this three lens system. On crop bodies, both the 17-55 and 15-85 get a lot of love; there's no conflict, just a lot of different tastes out there.

I'd guess this new 24-70 is very similar to the 24-105 in IQ but about 20% lower weight and price.

All specs aside, I really think that this is a knee-jerk reaction to the market / sales.

With the Tamron getting to market first, many fans held out. But as delays came on folk began to jump ship - especially when the price was verified by the vendors.

With the v1 24-70 gone, all of the sudden sales are down, even with a proported fatter margin on the v2.

We've all read the rumors that there was an IS version being tested - but this all went out the window once the v2 was Announced.

Many consumers will prefer to stay away from off brand even at f4 vs f2.8. I would expect simpler housing, pricing iine with Tamron VC 2.8 24-70.

Kit option - possibly.

Another marketing gimmick - "you don't need 2.8 anymore - just push your ISO - it will still look great - oh, you don't like the 3200 on 7D or rebel ? Well there are the new low noise high ISO bodies just for that. Buy the new body, save on the lens."

Ok - so I'm taking the conspiracy apple box stand.

We a bit jaded as far as lens prices go - and should try to step back and see this from a mass market POV. That is, after all, where this lens is targeted.

If and when there is something to consider - we will. Just take a look at the harsh 6D reactions from the announcement, and now people slowly peeping in "I'm considering it"

my guess will be filters smaller than 77mmmaybe 67mm? all plastic construction

I doubt it'll be an all plastic construction simply because of its L designation.

From Wikipedia:Most L series lenses share a number of common characteristics:- Tough build, made to withstand trials in the field (some incorporating dust and moisture resistant rubber seals).- At least one fluorite or ultra-low dispersion glass element, combined with super-low dispersion glass and ground aspherical elements.- Non-rotating front elements, which are optimal for some filters (e.g. circular polarizers).- Relatively large apertures compared to other Canon lenses in the same focal lengths.- Ring-type USM (ultrasonic motor) and full-time manual focusing.

What if they followed the new trend with weight loss, then this lens could be VERY light. That is worth something to someone, say,6d owners.

It's still an insane idea by canon... I think a few lenses must be updated first and that the timing is the stupid thing here. Seems canon care more about getting people to buy a fullframe than keeping them there...

All specs aside, I really think that this is a knee-jerk reaction to the market / sales.

With the Tamron getting to market first, many fans held out. But as delays came on folk began to jump ship - especially when the price was verified by the vendors.

With the v1 24-70 gone, all of the sudden sales are down, even with a proported fatter margin on the v2.

We've all read the rumors that there was an IS version being tested - but this all went out the window once the v2 was Announced.

I disagree. It's not like they could design/test/set-up for manufacturing all since the 24-70 MkII came out. That's too little time for such a reaction. I'd be very surprised if they ever update the 24-105L after this new lens is on the market. With rationalisation of their zoom range, Canon's new blurb after December:

At some point I shall get the 24 IS for the same reasons- compact, light, sharp accross the aperture range (checkout the photozone test on the 28) and with IS- good for video clips (where you can't always take a tripod-such as up a mountain where I like to take a video panorama on occasion), useful in lower light for landscape and on a crop camera the equal to 40mm so a slightly wide standard lens. The only thing stopping me at the moment is cost but prices are already starting to drop so in 12 months or so- a winner for me.

I'm sure the price for the lens alone will be rather high - few people would buy it anyway to replace their existing standard zoom, and this way Canon will be able to market apparently incredible deals as a kit with the 6d :-p

I'm sure the price for the lens alone will be rather high - few people would buy it anyway to replace their existing standard zoom, and this way Canon will be able to market apparently incredible deals as a kit with the 6d :-p

I agree. Maybe closer to $1000 at first but a great deal in the 6D kit. Look at the EF-S 18-55 IS. It's actually great value for the price when it's in a kit, but who buys it by itself?